The song "Bad Is Bad" by Dave Edmunds tells the story of various situations where the idea of "bad" takes on different meanings. In the first verse, the narrator goes downtown to see his cousin who is a talented guitar player. He describes him as playing "like a chainsaw buzzin'" which suggests a raw and powerful energy in his music. The narrator is impressed and tells his uncle that his son is "bad", meaning exceptionally skilled or talented. The chorus emphasizes the central theme of the song, which is that sometimes being "bad" can be a good thing. The narrator acknowledges that being cool is often seen as a positive trait, but there are instances where being "bad" (in a talented or extraordinary way) can be equally valuable. In the second verse, the narrator notices a neon sign advertising a cheap all-you-can-eat meal. The stew being served is described as the "baddest in the land", implying that it is exceptionally good despite its low cost. However, the narrator can only tolerate a dollar's worth of the stew, suggesting that even though something may be highly regarded as "bad", there are limits to how much one can handle. In the final verse, the narrator returns home to see his partner, Marie, but finds that she is not there. He finds a note expressing love from her, but also discovers "a strange pair of shoes" under the bed. This indicates that Marie has been unfaithful. Here, the idea of "bad" takes on a negative connotation, as the narrator is betrayed and hurt by the actions of his partner. Overall, the song explores the complexities of the concept of "bad", suggesting that it can be interpreted in both positive and negative ways depending on the context. It encourages listeners to consider the different meanings and implications of the word.
